London's FTSE 100 benchmark index of leading shares lost 0.14 percent to 5,938.07 points and in Paris the CAC 40 retreated 0.15 percent to 3,559.10 points, while Frankfurt's DAX 30 rose 0.10 percent to 7,086.14 points.

Asian markets mostly fell on Thursday following two days of gains that were rooted in growing optimism over Greece and the US economy.

Investors took a breather following increases fuelled by Greece's successful debt swap with private creditors last week, strong US jobs data and upbeat comments from the Federal Reserve on US economy.

Wall Street traded mixed on Wednesday, holding onto most of the gains made in Tuesday's huge bank-driven rally.